Chief Upton

Thank you for appreciating “Once I Was A Navyman”. I am always gratified by the way Navymen have responded to my work. Unlike you I was not raised anywhere near great bodies of water, the Colorado River was the largest thing I ever saw and up in the mountains of Colorado one could throw a rock across it anyplace. The Navy changed that and I could never get over it that a Sailor on his ship could look from horizon to horizon in every direction and see nothing but water. You have a rich history of Navy and marine folks in your background and that is something to be proud of. I have lived here in the Charleston, South Carolina area for over 35 years Charleston was a city rich in Navy history from the first shot of the Civil War and the episodes that took place during those times. The CS H. L. Hunley, the first Submarine to destroy an enemy vessel, and sank for reasons unknown in 1864 and raised in 2000 is still providing interesting and challenging data for historians. The Hunley is still in a state of restoration but may be viewed by the public. Capt.Dixon and his crew can still stand proud.

For those that are unaware of our Naval heritage in Charleston the Federal Government in its wisdom shut down the Charleston Navy Base and most of the Navy facilities in this area. But us landlocked Sailors are still telling sea stories, many even true about sailing out of Charleston and the times we had in the great port city of Charleston.

Thank you again Chief Upton
E. A. Hughes, FTCM (SS)
USN (Retired)